As we begin to enter the colder months of the year, a North Dakota winter is ahead of us. For some, this is exciting, but others dread it. It is easy to get caught up in the idea that there is nothing to do in the winter because it is so cold, but this does not have to be true. There are plenty of opportunities for fun and festive activities during the winter months in the Grand Forks community, especially if you are open to trying something new.  

Perhaps one of the most exciting events is coming up very soon. The HollyDazzle Festival of Lights will take place on Sunday, November 24 and will have an exciting and packed schedule throughout the day including activities in both Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. These activities include a winter market, carriage rides, caroling, various festive crafts, and festive foods and beverages. The day will come to an end with a parade of lights, followed by a tree lighting ceremony that will conclude with a firework show.  

Along with this, another Grand Forks tradition is the Grand Forks Lions Club’s Christmas in the Park that takes place every year at Lincoln Drive Park. For just $10 per car, you can gather up some friends and family and take a drive through the park any time between 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. This starts on November 28 and lasts until December 31.   

Another highly anticipated event, especially on campus at the University of North Dakota, is the annual Winter wUNDerland Concert. This concert will be held at the Chester Fritz Auditorium on Saturday, December 7 at 1:30 p.m. It will feature various works of festive winter holiday music presented by the UND choirs and music department. Tickets are available to purchase online or at the box office. This is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with friends or family through listening to incredible performances.  

There will be another musical performance held at the Chester Fritz Auditorium on Saturday, December 21 at 3 p.m. This performance is called “A Magical Medora Christmas” and costs $43 to attend. Along with this, The Empire Arts Center will be hosting a performance called “Blue Violin Candlelight Christmas” that will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 15.  

There will be various festive activities held on campus throughout the next few weeks as well. This includes All Holiday Trivia on Tuesday, December 3 at 5 p.m. and a theme meal to get you in the festive spirit before winter break.  

Of course, there are also plenty of activities to do in your own time. Some great ideas include trying a newcoffee shop, such as Urban Stampede downtown who always has the best atmosphere, especially in the winter. You could also explore a holiday decorated downtown Grand Forks or explore a soon to be snow covered Turtle River State Park. You could also stay in and bake cookies and watch holiday movies.  

Whatever you decide to do this winter season, remember to make time to enjoy the festivities that surround you. It is especially important during the cold and darker months to make time for fun and relaxation as it can be a difficult time of year for many and it is important to reset before the spring semester. 

Nora Lee is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].